On A Dreary Night, made for 2-6 players, is a fun romp into originality. The author has literally thrown convention out the window and went with a very eclectic design, which opts for super gameplay and neato textures. Sure, it has its flaws..but you'll forget about them when you realize how much fun you're having.


At first glance one might think this map is nothing more than a bunch of brushes thrown together. Standing on the ground floor looking up it's just a mottled mess. However, ascend those various ramps (between getting fragged, btw) and you'll notice the author's decision to make this a vertical map was a good one. The various peep holes and sniper points you have all throughout this map make for a ton of no-see frags. Running, grabbing health...BOOM, you're dead. Grab the railgun, see someone way up high, get a bead, BOOM...they're dead. It's great fun. The author has also used some original textures, so the entire map has a gritty, back-alley feel. Very little colored lighting is used, but what is used gives the map an eerie sense. No, the architecture isn't perfect. There's a wedge brush used in on place that should have been a standard ramp, and some textures, such as the technological ones blended with brick, don't quite match up. But, once again, it all takes a back seat to the fun and break-neck gameplay.

 

At first, I wasn't too keen on the item placement. The railgun seemed to be the weapon to throw the balance off. However, there's more than one, which helps even the odds. If you happen to grab one, find a good place and start sniping. What's that you say? Okay, well, yes, I am condoning camping. Here's why: you won't live long running around, and you won't live long camping either. The first person you pick off from long-distance with that slug-thrower and you're had. That shouldn't stop you from finding a good niche and getting at least one free frag. The shotgun, Uzi and RL make their appearance. However, with the vertical nature of the map and openness, the railgun is the only way to go.

 

The highest r_speeds I saw here are in the low 600's. Completely acceptable. Everyone should have an easy time running this map.

 

Final Verdict? I give this map a whole-hearted 4. Some texture use and architecture is questionable, but you'll find that this map has so much gameplay potential you'll let those errors fall by the wayside and you'll just have fun. A plyer loadout of two is seek and destroy. Six makes for gibs, gibs, and more gibs. Get it. Enjoy it.

 

Score: 4/5